Holiday firm denies trivialising rape by offering victim massage as compensation
Dr Georgina Mortimer was attacked in her accomodation on the second night of her holiday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An all-female holiday operator has denied trivialising the rape of one of its customers by offering her a massage in compensation.
Dr Georgina Mortimer, 45, was raped in her apartment in St Lucia while on a sailing holiday with tour company Girls for Sail.
On her return to the UK, Dr Mortimer repeatedly complained to the company regarding their alleged lack of care. But instead of a refund, she was offered a “massage and a mini manicure at a nearby spa” by the company – leading her to feel “disgusted and insulted.”
Now, the company has issued a response. “We are all in complete shock that a lady who was due to sail with us has been a victim of this terrible incident and despicable crime,” Girls for Sail told ITV.
“We are passionate about the safety and wellbeing of our customers and, as a female orientated company, we have certainly never sought to trivialise Mrs Mortimer’s horrendous experience.”
But the company added it was “concerned at the accuracy of some of the accusations made in the press” and “strongly” refuted them. It did not specify what aspects of the widely reported story it felt was inaccurate.
The Independent was not able to contact Girls for Sail at the time of writing. Dr Mortimer is now preparing legal action against the company for negligence – she claims there were not adequate warnings or safety measures in place.
The doctor, who works in Accident and Emergency medicine, woke up on the second night of her holiday with a man on top of her.
“I woke up to find myself being strangled and raped by this total stranger,” she told the Sun on Sunday. “I was terrified. I honestly thought I was going to die.”
She continued: “I’d gone on a women only holiday to learn to sail believing I would be safe.
“I am devastated by what happened and I am going to do what I can to stop any other woman going through this.
“I am shocked by a company, which claims to empower women by helping them learn to sail without men, has treated a rape victim so badly.”
Dr Mortimer told the newspaper her life had been “turned upside down” and she suffered from “horrendous flashbacks”.
“To be offered a massage and manicure is disgusting,” she said. “When I complained again I was finally refunded my money. I was also offered a complimentary days sailing. It all belittled the nightmare I’d gone through.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments